THE LAWSUIT

In 2018, a group of women filed a federal class action against the Austin Police Department and the Travis County District Attorney's Office for mishandling their sexual assault cases because of gender discrimination. After the lawsuit was filed in 2018, more women came forward, ultimately bringing the number of named plaintiffs to 15 and representing thousands of survivors whose cases had been dismissed. Following years of litigation, the plaintiffs and their legal team achieved a groundbreaking settlement that has led to significant reforms in the handling of sexual assault cases in Austin and Travis County.

Filmed over four years, AN ARMY OF WOMEN chronicles this journey through the perspective of several of the plaintiffs and their lawyers.

Meet the Participants

  • Hanna Senko

    Hanna Senko

    Plaintiff

    Hanna Senko is a sexual assault survivor whose case was closed via exceptional clearance with prosecution declined by the Austin Police Department (APD). She was the lead plaintiff in the state level class action lawsuit representing the 80% of survivors who knew their rapist and 65% that report having had multiple victimizations throughout their lifetime. Hanna now serves as a consultant, speaker, and changemaker working to reconstruct the awareness, understanding, and handling of sexual assault. She is leading the project at APD to overhaul their Sex Crimes Unit.

    Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

  • Mary Ruth Reyes

    Mary Ruth Reyes

    Plaintiff

    Mary Ruth Reyes is a survivor of sexual assault, and stepped forward as the first plaintiff in the class-action lawsuit, fighting for reform in the handling of sexual assault cases. Her advocacy over fifteen years put a spotlight on the deep flaws in the system and paved the way for other survivors to find justice. Mary Ruth is also a talented visual artist who believes in the power of healing through art. Now, as head of development at Chamoy Creative, Mary Ruth channels her experiences into making a real difference and creating positive change.

    Instagram

  • Marina Garrett

    Marina Garrett

    Plaintiff

    Marina Garrett is a sexual assault survivor whose case was dismissed by the Austin Police Department after her rape kit sat untested for two years. Her experience led her to join the class action lawsuit and to advocate for survivors seeking alternative forms of justice and community accountability. Marina believes in expanding options for survivors to involve community based accountability outside of the justice system and create better access to resources for marginalized survivors.

    Instagram

  • Heather Sin

    Heather Sin

    Plaintiff

    Heather Sin is a victim-survivor of sexual assault and extensive abuse who became skilled at appearing “normal.” She used this not just to survive, but to become a credible advocate for the disenfranchised. Despite significant challenges, Heather publicly disclosed her invisible disabilities to strengthen her advocacy for marginalized communities. She contributed extensive research to the lawsuit and helped select new police training on disability and neuropsychiatry. Heather’s work focuses on improving representation and resources for those often overlooked in the justice system.

  • Kelly McWilliams

    Kelly McWilliams

    Plaintiff

    Kelly McWilliams is a survivor who waited 20 years for justice following her assault as a teenager. Joining the lawsuit marked the beginning of a journey toward healing and reclaiming her power. Through this platform, Kelly continues to advocate for justice for both teens and assault survivors in Austin. She is actively involved in efforts to improve support systems within the Austin Police Department, striving to ensure survivors receive fair treatment and the justice they deserve.

    Instagram

  • Angela Fielding

    Angela Fielding

    Plaintiff

    Angela Fielding is a survivor of sexual assault in a medical setting. She joined the lawsuit after her case was dismissed by the Austin Police Department, determined to seek justice for herself and her family members who have also experienced sexual assault. Angela courageously advocates for other survivors, driven by a desire to prevent others from reliving trauma during police investigations. She remains dedicated to justice through systemic change and is proud to be part of efforts to reform how survivors are treated.

  • Jennifer Ecklund

    Jennifer Ecklund

    Attorney

    Jennifer Ecklund is an experienced trial lawyer focusing on social justice and health care. She represented sexual assault survivors in a class action lawsuit against Austin, aiming to hold law enforcement accountable for investigative failures. Jenny is recognized as a staunch advocate and litigator in the realm of reproductive justice and the constitutional rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, and marginalized groups, focusing on First Amendment issues, due process rights, and equal protection under the law.

  • Elizabeth Myers

    Elizabeth Myers

    Attorney

    Elizabeth Myers is an experienced litigation lawyer who represented sexual assault survivors in a class action lawsuit against Austin Police Department and Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Her work with survivor advocacy groups contributed to securing $80 million in funding for sexual assault case improvements. Elizabeth is involved with multiple initiatives related to human trafficking and child advocacy, and sits on the Emeritus Board of Directors for the Equality Texas Foundation.